DRC President Tshisekedi launches 'inclusive national dialogue'

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans for an "inclusive, calm, and resolutely republican national dialogue." The initiative aims to consolidate national cohesion while upholding the institutions and constitution of the country.

The announcement came on Friday, July 17, 2026, following a meeting between Tshisekedi and representatives of the main religious confessions in the DRC. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, speaking on behalf of the religious delegation, expressed gratitude for the president's initiative.

Cardinal Ambongo stated that this dialogue concretizes the president's ongoing efforts towards peace, national cohesion, and strengthening the country's unity. He also acknowledged the contributions of other regional leaders, specifically mentioning those from Burundi and Congo-Brazzaville, in supporting these efforts.

While the specific conditions for the dialogue will be detailed later, Cardinal Ambongo urged all Congolese citizens to engage in this process for the sake of peace. He stressed the nation's need for unity among its people to confront external challenges, referencing "Rwandan aggression."